Hunter had to escape, the fear of failure suffocating him like the stone walls of the tower closing in. Chi flooded his limbs as he sped along the corridor, dodging bloodsucking leeches, leaping over puddles, and ignoring the bone-rattling chains of the trapdoor. Bursting through the front entrance, he emerged into the harsh sunlight, a stark contrast to the dimly lit corridor of Tower's interior.

He squinted against the light, shielding his eyes as he took stock of his surroundings. The coast was clear. He broke into a ground-devouring sprint, a testament to his growth as a Second Star Refiner. But thoughts of his sister, Nic's spirit message, endless renovation tasks, and limited time at the Refiner Gate gnawed at his mind.

Approaching the fork in the road near the golden blush orchard, he slowed his pace at the sight of a solitary figure approaching. Squinting, he funneled chi into his eyes. Who would dare to defy Eratos and wander out here alone? The rhythmic clacking of a cane against stone answered his question.

"Mistress Arista!"

Matching her leisurely pace, he made an effort to appear relaxed, as if he was just out for an afternoon jog along the coast.

Arista came to a sudden stop and used her cane to wave him over.

"Hail, Leocedes!" Her voice cut through the air like a knife. "What brings you beyond the safety of the boundary wall?" She planted her cane down, sending dust spirals in its wake.

Hunter forced a smile and bowed before meeting her gaze. “Hail, Mistress Arista. I’m so glad to see you.” He pulled Helio’s permission token from his inventory, and his smile turned into a grin. “Since the Trial of Worth, I’ve had a lot to think about. With the extra freedom I’ve earned, I like to get away from everything and everyone, to think not only on my future but Jo’s too.”

He chose his words carefully, talking about his sister, even though he knew Arista was no fan of his uncle. Perhaps now, they were alone, this was an opportunity to find out what happened to his former teacher while he was exiled on Death Island.

Arista's ice-blue eyes narrowed, glinting like a magpie that had just spotted a shiny trinket. "I notice quite a change in your aura. There's no need to hide it from me. It was only right that you gain a second chance advancement using your parent’s medallion. You know I tried to reach you on the island…" Her gaze drifted to the horizon, a strained look washing over her.

Hunter wanted to reach out and comfort her, but he hesitated. “Jo told me you were a thorn in my uncle's side… That he sent you away to the Northern Valley when you tried to intervene with Jo's new instructor."

"Mistress Phaedra, spawn of the foulest Shadow Serpent." Arista’s voice strained as her grip on the cane tightened. "At first, I thought your uncle was merely blinded by her beauty and sweet voice. But I soon realized he knew exactly what he was doing. He didn't count on my sharp Peak Star Founder stage hearing.” She tapped her ear and smiled. “You’ll know soon enough.”

He nodded, but kept quiet as her smile faded.

“The conniving bastard gloated about his power play to Mistress Phaedra as soon as your father left for the warfront. Did you know he tried to force himself on your mother before you were born? He never forgave her for rejecting him. I wager that’s why he sent her to Death Island, calling off the search for a remedy not only for her but for Jocasta too. He used Mistress Phaedra to ensure Jo never recovered from Sylphid’s Corruption after she was bitten by the Heartweave Viper, warning her against cultivation while pretending to have her best interests at heart." Her shoulders slumped and she shook her head.

This time, Hunter didn't hesitate. He took her hand in his, the fire in his eyes mirroring his words. "You did what you could. My uncle abused the power and trust my father placed in him."

Arista layered her own hand atop his, her eyes glazing over as she stared at the ground beneath them. “When I confronted him about your mother, about what he was doing to Jo, he laughed in my face. He told me perhaps it was time to move on, that I was too emotionally invested and it was affecting my ability to teach. I was given a single option: take up a teaching position in the war-torn Northern Valley.”

Hunter felt the sting of a lump forming in his throat. "And if you refused?"

She met his gaze, her face hardened like granite. "He made it clear that my presence brought ill fortune upon House Filo, as if somehow it was my fault for all the troubles that had befallen your family. If I didn’t leave, he warned things would go from bad to worse for you and Jo.” Arista freed her hand from Hunter’s. "He knew better than to directly threaten me with death. He used my feelings toward you and your sister against me. Relations are strained between my family and me, but if Eratos took my life, my family would find out and be forced to seek revenge in honor of our family name."

Hunter could read between the lines. He didn't know much about Arista's family, but they must be powerful and well-connected if his uncle didn't dare harm her.

A cold gust of wind whipped up around them, a harsh reminder that time wasn't on his side.

"I was heading back to the city. Do you have somewhere you need to be?" He bowed his head in respect.

Arista looked back toward the city walls. "Like you, I was getting a breath of fresh air away from the city. I'll accompany you on the way back, as we have much to talk about."

She spun on her heel and started walking, her gaze telling him 'well, get a move on.' He fell into step beside her, the city walls growing larger as they drew near.

"More guards at the gate and curfews." Arista scoffed, narrowing her eyes on the boundary wall. "All just for show. By the son of a motherless demon goat, everyone knows Eratos is letting the cultists run amok in the city."

Hunter tensed. "I'm surprised he hasn't sent any guards or adventurers to breach the tower’s defenses. He had Helios’ research to ensure it wasn't a threat."

"Your uncle already knows the cultists didn’t summon the tower. I'd bet my last coin he's in bed with them. They have knowledge and Dark plasma that he wants all to himself."

"But why? Eratos is already the most powerful man in the city after my father. He's taken everything from my family and claimed it for his own. What more could he want?"

Arista gave a sympathetic smile, like she thought he was being naive. "He wants what every power-hungry bastard wants — more power. He's got his eyes on Emperor Konstantinos' throne. And he knows that being a more powerful cultivator, one who can wield Dark plasma, will ensure his victory. Or at least make anyone think twice before crossing him.”

The likes of Vassilus sprang to Hunter’s mind.

The city walls towered over them as they slowed their pace. Hunter’s mind was a whirlwind of thoughts about his uncle. “So he has to pretend like he's doing something, without actually lifting a finger. Keep the citizens of Delphare in check, while he plots and schemes with his own selfish interests at the center of everything he does.”

Arista nodded. "Yes. His inaction regarding the tower has given you plenty of freedom, don't you think?"

Hunter froze, his heart hammering against his chest. He was hit by the sudden realization that this wasn't some chance encounter. Arista was on to him. "You know?"

Arista gave him a flat look. "I'm surprised it took you this long to realize. There's very little that escapes my attention. You should know that. Besides, Helios paid me a visit. He was worried about the firstborn heir of House Filo. He thought you were getting in over your head, and given your resourcefulness and determination, you'd find your way into the tower."

Hunter's eyes widened, his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water.

Arista laughed. “I had a hunch you would try to gain entry to the tower. I remember the tenacious boy you were, so I thought I'd come find you myself. Helios had a sneaking suspicion you wanted that permission token not just for Jo, but as a ticket to buy you the freedom needed to find your way into the tower. Helios doesn't believe the tower is cursed, as the rumors suggest, and his archival studies point to an ancient tower of ascension, one not seen in these parts for a long time. A collaboration between gods and cultivators resulting in onene of the few towers that gained sentience..."

Hunter swallowed hard. "And you believe in Divine towers that can feel?"

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

"Heavens no!" She dismissively waved her cane. "Helios is a man of faith; I deal in facts and figures. That tower," she jabbed her cane in its direction, "is a death trap waiting to collapse. Was it summoned by a god? Maybe. All I know is that from the legends. Many warriors entered Ascension Towers. Few lived to tell the tale. I don’t want that to be your fate."

"What if I told you, it’s not like those towers, and I know what I'm doing?" Hunter shot back. "Eratos' efforts to control the unrest about the tower has bought me some time. It's a long story, but I have a shot at getting stronger but not a lot of time to prove I can do it."

Arista let out a long exhale. "I trust you know what you're doing, even if I don’t agree with your methods. There's always a risk in cultivation. Just don’t reach too far like Icarus. That's a fall you won't survive. Now, you’re right. Eratos is preoccupied and Helios intends to keep him that way to protect you… he is loyal to House Filo in honor of your parents."

His eyes dropped to the ground at the mention of Helios’ loyalty since he’d withheld the truth to get the permission token.

Arista placed a hand on his shoulder, her grip firm. "It’s crucial that your uncle doesn't get his hands on that medallion."

Hunter straightened, his expression hardening. "It's safe for now, somewhere he can’t reach." It was stashed in the guild room, melded into the stone pillar for the Path of Holly and Horse.

"That's good to hear. But soon, Eratos' patience will run thin. When he's confident no one will act against him and when Helios figures out how to gain entry, he'll send adventurers in to explore the tower. I've heard whispers he's already in talks with the Obsidian Rift Five."

"Hold up, they're the Obsidian Rift Three now." Hunter smirked, correcting her without thinking.

Arista raised an eyebrow. "Really? Have you met them?"

Hunter's cheeks burned, images of his encounter at the Tangled Mermaid Tavern flashing in his mind. He cleared his throat. "Came to my attention on my... travels. Seems they're not fans of Xuthos' henchmen, Nastes and Aspa."

"Those filthy rats are banned from the city, though rumors suggest they're back. Did you see them yourself?" Her eyes flickered with unveiled concern. "If so, count yourself lucky to be alive."

"I saw them being carted off by the city guard after a brawl in the Tangled Mermaid." Hunter produced the lie with ease, making it sound like he was just a passerby.

Arista's frown deepened. "If they crossed Elijah, throwing fists in his tavern…not even the mighty Vassilus could free them right away. There's bad blood between the two of them.”

Hunter was about to mention he'd heard as much from Lyra, the barmaid, but bit his tongue, playing dumb. “Glad to hear that. Their reputation is ruthless and it makes me fear for my sister's safety since they work for Xuthos. That’s part of the reason why I'm heading toward the city…to check on Jo."

"I understand." Arista set a brisk pace, and she urged Hunter to keep up. He did so with ease, a far cry from his younger days, when she was a towering presence.

They passed through the city gates without incident. The guards were barely able to look Arista in the eye.

As they parted ways, Arista flicked a stray lock of hair hanging over Hunter's eye. "My, how you've grown, head and shoulders above me, and your aura more powerful. Just remember, never forget your roots."

"I'll do my best to remember." He tapped his temple and smiled. "If not, Jo is sure to remind me."

"That's what I like to hear. Now be off with you and give an old lady some peace."

There was a warmth in Arista's eyes that made his heart twinge as he turned to leave.

He maneuvered through the network of alleyways, heading towards Xuthos’ compound. Wagon wheels clamored louder near the servant quarters, prompting him to stop at the back.

Peering around the corner of the fence, the crates were already being processed. His option for sneaking in with the delivery through the servants’ entrance was out. Leaning back, he observed a squirrel scamper along the fence line and leap to a nearby tree on the other side.

The beast looked down at him, plucking an almond from a branch, its bark catching his attention. Following suit, he scaled the fence, his weight bending the aged branches.

The courtyard lay empty, statues standing silent, and the backside of Xuthos' statue remained visible from the climbing vines. He shook his head and retrieved the knife-broom from his storage ring. Positioning the blade against the tree trunk, he leapt down, letting pressure and gravity carve a thin layer of almond bark.

Returning the makeshift spear and the curled bark into his inventory, he sprinted to the side of the building, voices of servants cursing about stocking the shipment in the coolers filling the air. Amid the clangs, he slipped inside the servant’s quarters during the lull, running upstairs to Jo’s room.

A couple of quick knocks and he entered. Jo turned from the bookcase, a reddened scruff mark on her cheek.

Hunter's chest tightened. “Jo, what happened?”

She shook her head. “Xuthos’ henchmen are threatening me the only way they know how.” Shoving a book into an empty slot, she turned back, raising a brow and pointing to his feet. “And you’re still running around barefoot?”

Hunter shrugged. “I need almond bark before I can afford some boots from Tyche’s Tannery.”

“There’s an almond tree in the back corner of the courtyard.” Jo nodded to the window. “Gather some on your way out.”

Smirking, Hunter took a seat on the desk. “I’m one step ahead of you.” He paused as she tapped the bookcase. “I’m more concerned about you having to fight Xuthos’ henchmen.”

She tilted her head. “It’s what I get for using my mouth to put them in their place.”

“You can’t do that. I’ve seen some of them fight in the tavern, and they’ve managed to knock out a few teeth.”

Jo laughed. “Are you talking about the brawl that happened at the Tangled Mermaid?”

Hunter's brows shot up in surprise.

She waved her hand. “I hear enough about what happens in this city, even if I don’t step foot outside these walls.”

“The barman summoned guards to lock up a couple of exiled pirates. I assumed they worked for Xuthos from overhearing their conversation.”

She dropped onto her bed, her golden highlights falling over the scruff mark. “You must be talking about Nastes and Aspa. Elijah’s influence with the guards only kept them in jail for a day before Xuthos had Vassilus intervene. Anyone who stands in their way doesn’t stand a chance in this city.” Her gaze locked onto Hunter’s. “You included. Vassilus knows you’ve been to the tower.”

Hunter stood up and paced the room. “It doesn’t matter if he knows. It’d be more reason he’d want to make sure I’m alive. Our uncle is the bigger threat.”

“Eratos is busy keeping tabs on Xuthos and the death cultists.”

Hunter knocked on the drawer where he’d last seen Jo place the ledger before relaying her the information he’d just received from Mistress Arista.

By then, Jo was pacing the room. She turned back to Hunter. “I still have my plan in mind to bring down Xuthos.”

“If Vassilus came here to visit you, then he and Xuthos must be more connected. They know there is strength in unity until they decide to stab one another in the back.”

“Eratos and the two of them are in Hades’ triangle, with Eratos at the tipping point. If he has his way, he’ll stab first.”

Fire burned within Hunter’s core. Their uncle had dipped his hands into so many pockets, spread wide and deep across the province, starting with his own blood. “I just want to end uncle. I’m growing stronger, but I need time.”

“You can’t just up and kill him.” Jo placed a hand on her hip. “Eratos’ followers will come for you until you're six feet under and sucking the marrow of shattered dreams.”

Hunter’s brows furrowed. “Well, how else do you recommend we defeat him and his tyrant power raid?”

“You need to have overwhelming evidence to show he has broken the law. Then, every one of his followers will turn on him with their own spears.”

Hunter rubbed his hands through his hair. The time crunch with training in the tower didn’t make it easier on him. Each minute that passed while in the city, concerned about Eratos and his greedy fingers, took away from his time cultivating inside the tower.

His sister’s voice softened. “You have a new mission you’ve been fortunate to receive. Grow stronger inside the tower. I know you haven’t told me everything, but how bad do you want it?” She placed a hand on his shoulder. “Don’t let our uncle hold his grasp over you anymore. This is your break; take it.”

Hunter glanced at Jo. She needed more of a break than him, yet he still couldn’t give it to her. If he could trade places with her, he would. “You’re right. I’m letting him consume me and my time, and time is something I have little of.”

She smirked, raising a brow. “You were never good with time management.”

“No.” He shuffled his hair back in place considering all of the time investments he needed: cultivation, training, Tower’s renovations, freeing his sister, and ridding the city of the scum. “Any tips for juggling about five major things?”

“Five! That sounds like some life you’ve got going for you.” She walked to the bookcase, skimming the titles. “It’s really not something you can read in a book and expect to work. You have to put it into practice.” She pulled out a thin manual, opened it to a page, and handed it to him.

Glancing over the image and text, he shifted his gaze back to Jo. “This is it?” He turned the page expecting more, but a different topic was shown.

“It looks simple, but if everyone were able to do it, then I’m certain we’d all be more civilized.”

He nodded and handed the manual back. It would be one of the next things he’d try out while working with Tower. “I’ll do my best.”

“Don’t feel sorry for me. If my cultivation wasn’t crippled and I had your mobility, then I would get myself out of this situation sooner. My core disruption may make me physically weak, but I have a strong mind. It only takes me longer to move all the pieces into place.”

Hunter leaned against the desk. “Can you give me a hint as to what you have planned?”

She sighed, rubbing her arms as if she experienced a cold chill. “Uncle Eratos knows how to play Xuthos as a horny bastard. I’m only being used as a bargaining chip to get the information that he wants to bring Xuthos down.”

His fingers tightened around the edge of the desk, Hunter inhaled to remain calm. “That’s exactly what I’d heard Nastes and his band of pirates talking about.”

“Don’t seek Nastes or anyone associated with him out, especially his running girl, Aspa. She has a vicious reputation.” Jo crossed her arms. “Look I’m to stay focused on Xuthos for uncle, you worry about yourself. I’ll let you know when I’m ready for you to help me.”